O' Jesus! You are standing
Outside the fast-closed door,
In lowly patience waiting,
To pass the threshold o'er:
We bear the names of Christians,
Your name and sign we bear:
Oh, Shame, thrice shame on us!
To keep you standing there.
O Jesus! You are knocking;
And lo! That hand is scarred,
And thorns Your brow encircle,
And tears Your face has marred:
O love that passeth knowledge,
So patiently to wait!
O sin that has no equal'
So fast to bar the gate!
O Jesus! You are pleading
In accents meek and low --
I died for you, My children,
And will you treat me so?
O Lord with shame and sorrow
We open now the door;
Dear Saviour, enter, enter,
And leave us nevermore!
William W. How